The move from telematics to mobile apps

The move from telematics to mobile apps

BUSRide recently spoke with the principals of GreenRoad, Austin, TX, the providers of a driver and fleet performance management solution aimed at helping organizations improve productivity through real-time actionable data and insights.

In this Q&A, we discuss how traditional telematics solutions can be replaced or reinforced with mobile applications for smartphones and tablets.

BUSRide recently spoke with the principals of GreenRoad, Austin, TX, the providers of a driver and fleet performance management solution aimed at helping organizations improve productivity through real-time actionable data and insights.

In this Q&A, we discuss how traditional telematics solutions can be replaced or reinforced with mobile applications for smartphones and tablets.

To begin, why is it important for operators to consider a move from a hardwired telematics tracking solution to a mobile application?
With our global customers, we’re seeing a platform shift away from telematics subscriptions, which have traditionally provided a hard-wired unit as well as a lengthy and costly implementation process. Furthermore, subscribing to a telematics provider offers little flexibility with new platforms and initiatives. They’re fixed solutions with typically one or two features, so they don’t interface well with the latest and greatest in transportation technology – like cloud-based solutions or mobile apps, for example.
We’re still investing in the highest quality “black box” solution, because bus transportation still very much relies on that sort of solution. However, we’ve started to invest more in helping our customers shift toward a mobile solution.
Operators who are redesigning their fleets, or investing in new vehicles, tell us that they want black-box capabilities but don’t want to go through an expensive, lengthy installation.

Are smart devices as effective as traditional telematics solutions?
GPS technology on smartphones and tablets is incredibly advanced – an iPhone can triangulate its user’s location instantly. There’s no reason an operator should have to pay a subscription fee to do the same tracking on a vehicle. By utilizing already-available mobile technology, we’re able to provide operators that same ability on smartphones and tablets – along with the driver behavior suite that GreenRoad is known for. We obviously recommend a fixed tablet setup – either planted to the floor or mounted to the dashboard – as smartphone use can be dangerous or unwieldy when operating a vehicle.

How does this kind of app go beyond simple telematics?
Vehicle tracking should just be part of what operators receive in this kind of solution. In this case, it’s just a free feature that enables driver behavior modification, fuel management, maintenance and fleet management.
The app gives drivers easy access to their GreenRoad performance anytime, anywhere. Drivers can access their safety score, idling score, team rank and trip details, and keep safety top of mind with quick tips – all with the convenience and elegance of a native smartphone application. Even better, the app can be run in the background of the mobile device while in motion to discourage distracted driving.
The solution enhances any fleet or mobile workforce’s capability to mitigate risky driver behavior by setting organizational standards and controls for any and all drivers. Stakeholders, such as safety and fleet managers, risk and operations management, c-suite, and finance teams, can access and collaborate through the platform and have total visibility into the performance of both their drivers and their fleets.
The app enables any organization to easily identify safety, operational and fiscal improvement opportunities – like driver hot spots, driver safety scorecards, fuel management, vehicle health and hours of service.

How does the app integrate with driver behavior modification?
The app’s in-vehicle display gives drivers objective, real-time feedback whenever a risky driving event occurs. Simple audio and visual feedback helps drivers quickly self-correct without being distracted from the road. And at the end of every trip, an automatic summary displays the trip safety level and other stats.
If an operator is taking advantage of the driver behavior program, the app provides a more intuitive interface for drivers than the standard GreenRoad suite. If a driver-related event happens – like speeding, cornering or hard braking – the app uses an audible alert to tell the driver specifically what he or she did wrong. It’s much more instantaneous feedback.